Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Jeff is still welcoming everyone to the very first #BrowsersBash2015 !

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

We're here safe and sound. The room is almost ready and the attendees are getting registered.  Big display table of food drive contribution so far.  Dealer's table is well stocked.

One minute warning just called.

Everyone is stoked! 

Updated April 27th to add:

• This post is part of a series of live-blogged entries.  For your convenience, the entries have been consolidated into a single post at "Browser's Magic Bash 2015 recap."

Rise and shine for #BrowsersBash2015 !

#BrowsersBash2015 social media

As many of you know, tomorrow is the "Browser's Bash," an all day convention hosted by the Browser's Den of Magic.

It was announced on the Browser's Den Twitter feed that the event is a complete sell out!

The #BrowsersBash2015 is OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT (for the 2nd time). Over 250 people will be in attendance tomorrow! Will you be one of them?
— The Browser's Den (@theBrowsersDen) April 11, 2015

I'm one of the lucky ones attending and plan to be doing some combination of live-Tweeting and live-blogging of the event.  Apologies in advance for clogging your feeds.  To follow my Twitter account, you can use the web or use the Twitter widget on the right side of this page, under the "Selected Anniversaries" feature.   If you're at the event and Tweeting, I encourage you to add the hashtag "#BrowsersBash2015" to your Tweets.  I've added a feature just under the header of this page, which collects and posts all Tweets tagged in this fashion.

I look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow!

blogTO's top five magicians in Toronto

It's interesting to read the comment section of the post.  How lovely to see that people can be passionate about their favourite magician.  Doubly so that there are so many talented magicians in Toronto from which to choose!

What do you think?  Did PO Karim get the top five right?

From blogTO:

The top magicians and mentalists in Toronto are amongst the best in the world, though skeptics may not be aware of their existence. These masters of magic are sought after entertainers wowing audiences from TV and stage to corporate functions and special events. Whether they're using elaborate theatrics or a deck of cards, their specially honed skills can have you believing in the impossible.

On with the show - here are my picks for the top magicians in Toronto. 

Read more.

Anthony Lindan interviews Greg Frewin

From Anthony Lindan:

The Secrets of Success Project is a collection of inspiring and motivating Niagara success stories. Anthony Lindan, whose 15 years old son is on the Autism Spectrum, created the Project as a third party fundraising initiative to raise both money and awareness for Autism. 

Anthony interviewed some of the most interesting people in Niagara - world class athletes, radio personalities, business people, entertainers and entrepreneurs - about their success. The interviews offer powerful tips and insights about becoming more successful both personally and professionally. 

The interviews are online at http://secretsofsuccessproject.com/ and visitors are encouraged to listen to as many as they like and make a ‘pay what you can’ donation.
All net proceeds from the Project will go the Autism Ontario Niagara Region Chapter.

From the Secrets of Success:

Amazing is the only way to describe Greg Frewin’s career and his passion for amazing and entertaining his audiences. Greg is currently Canada’s most accomplished and successful magician. He has performed on every major stage in the world, on numerous TV specials and has won every magic award and honor offered. For the past 10 years Greg has performed about 275 dates a year in his own theatre – The Greg Frewin Theatre – in Niagara Falls, ON.

Greg shares the real secrets that have brought him incredible success both on and off the stage.

Read more, listen to the interview and make a donation to the Autism Ontario Niagara Region Chapter.

Looking for Hosts for REALITY - MAGIC SERIES

Location: Toronto based - Shooting across Canada

DEADLINE FOR TALENT VIDEO SUBMISSIONS: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015

New, reality MAGIC SERIES driven by 2 actual magician/illusionists, who go undercover as tour guides of authentic haunted locations, creating mind-boggling, organic illusions each tour to unsuspecting crowds of tourists.

[MAGICIAN/ILLUSIONIST 'HOSTS' X 2 (MALE)] UNION or Non-Union. 2 experienced magician/illusionists, capable of creating organic illusions of conjured paranormal phenomenon. Must be highly skilled in a variety of forms of magic including but not limited to large illusions, escapology, close-up magic, mentalism, and pickpocket. An interest in the paranormal is a plus as well as a comedy background. Highly experienced MAGICIAN/ILLUSIONISTS. Ability to collaborate with a team of magician/illusionists. Strong improvisational skills. Strong interaction skills. Comedy/Acting background an asset. An interest in the paranormal. Must be CANADIAN.

MUST REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION

1. PHOTO & MAGICIAN BIO

2. MAGIC/ILLUSION DEMO REEL

3. SELF-TAPE – 2-3 minutes - Chatting directly to camera, as your outgoing self, tell us briefly about your Magician/Illusionist experience, your interest in the paranormal, and an example of a mind-boggling paranormal illusion you would create. ***Please ensure enough light for self-tapes.

4. Opening Text Screen should read:

Name

represented by:

Vanderwerff Talent

416 890 0905

mirjam@vanderwerfftalent.com

5. Email materials through a file/video sharing site, such as an unregistered youtube link, or via WETRANSFER OR HIGHTAIL, WITH EMAIL LINK TO: mirjam@vanderwerfftalent.com by Wednesday April 22, 2015.

With thanks to Lisa Close for sending this in.

Ben Train, Phil Pivnick and "Sketchy Magic" at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Mississauga (Thurs):  Ben Train

Pickering (Fri):   Phil Pivnick

Toronto (Sun):  [dark] [I can't imagine why]

Toronto (Tues):  Sketchy Magic


James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



--
* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

Hamilton and Ottawa: Henry Evans lecture

From Joan Caesar:

Henry Evans is lecturing in Hamilton on April 27 and in Ottawa on April 28 at the IBM Rings in those cities.

Thanks for the update Joan!

Thirty seconds with Simon Waring

This is the twelfth in a series of "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews, so called because I approached the interviewees at Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp last summer with the idea that I would interview them for 30 seconds. It didn't always work that way.

I remember sitting at the Pinetages Theatre waiting for the evening show to start.  Lee Asher's "B4" card class was tasked with approaching people in the audience (before the main show) and performing some close-up magic for them, while paying close attention to audience reaction.  While the majority of the class made a beeline to their friends, Simon made his way to me. I had the pleasure of watching him perform three wonderful card tricks.  Keep up the great work Simon!

Simon Waring is an aspiring magician from Gerogina, ON.  He thinks Canada is the best country in the world because it's such an accepting place, there is so much freedom and it's home to many great accomplishments.

FUN FACT:
Simon prefers chocolate chip cookies to Oreos.

DID YOU KNOW?
Simon's biggest influences are his parents, "the two best people in the world.

Simon's first memory of magic dates back to when he was six years old.  He remembers performing a children's vanish with Playmobil and a Toys'r'Us magic kit.  Simon first heard about Sorcerers Safari Magic and Performance Arts Camp at Morrissey's Magic shop in 2009 when he was ten years old.  Simon's attend camp as a camper for six years.  He comes back to camp because the activities are so unique and interactive.  He hates the thought of missing out on something wonderful.  He's made great friends at camp and keeps in touch with them throughout the year.

Simon hopes that magic isn't losing its roots and that that people realize the value of reading books, going to lectures, and learning in person.  He suggests that young performers "practise, practise, practise."  He also encourages them to be creative and think about what enhances effects.  One last tip from Simon: "Take good care of your cards."

Simon's favourite non-magic activity is talking with friends about history.





Previously published "Thirty seconds with ..." interviews:

Dan Wiebe | Eric Leclerc | Lisa Close | Alex Seaman | Ben Train
 Lorena and Trevor Watters | Mark Correia | Carey Lauder
Michael Close | Chris Pilsworth | Chris Mayhew

From the Sorcerers Safari Twitter feed:

Guarantee your spot at #MagicCamp Aug.15-19 2015. Tell your parents registration is on your wish list - it's now open at sorcererssafari.ca
— Sorcerers Safari (@SorcerersSafari) December 22, 2014

Erix Logan on Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde

From Clive Court's Facebook page:

I've been waiting for this video! So here is tri-lingual Canadian illusionist Erix Logan performing his spectacular new...
Posted by Clive Court on Wednesday, 1 April 2015

Who's where April 2015

Leave a comment on this post to let us know where you're going to be this month!  (Confirm details with event organizers / venues.)

Updated April 26th to add:

Montreal: Henry Evans lecture

Leave a comment on this post to let us know where you're going to be this month!

• Bill Abbott and Bobby Motta Fridays and Saturdays at Dave and Busters in Vaughan
    
• Magic Mondays with James Jordan in Calgary
    
• From Peter Mennie's Facebook page:
  Post by Peter Mennie - Magician VIP Entertainer.
    

Jump to date: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31

1
2	Mysterion at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
3	Ben Train at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
4	April 4th-6th I'm going be be in Kouvola, Finland to present at Kouvolan Taikapäivät 2015. Really… http://t.co/0YtAkIhb4X — Mahdi Gilbert (@mahdigilbert) February 22, 2015 Tickets now on sale for Easter/Passover wknd with these awesome comedians & more! Info & tix: http://t.co/nQPcPxMQPW pic.twitter.com/QA5H9f3wgS — Comedy Nest Montreal (@comedynest) March 15, 2015 Just booked! I'm back at @NottawasagaInn for an Easter Weekend show http://t.co/toFshNVgna #Easter #resort #magicshow #nottawasagainn — Peter Mennie (@petermennie) March 24, 2015
5	Ben Train at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
6
7	Next week @mahdigilbert and @ShaneCobalt will be performing their new show Modern Magic at #WHSTeatteriUnion! http://t.co/bd8Xb9Mm5V — WHS Teatteri Union (@TeatteriUnion) March 30, 2015  Sketchy Magic with Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall  (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
8
9	Ben Train at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) Illusionist @RayChance will wow at #mwf_2015 event on April 9, 2015. Check him out --> https://t.co/zJLJdjLU42 pic.twitter.com/p5uzy896Lj — MissWaterfrontFest (@the_mwf) March 27, 2015
10	Phil Pivnick at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
11
12
13
14	Sketchy Magic with Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall  (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) Starting Monday, @ZackMirza will be posting #Magic every day leading up to the April 14th premiere of #IllusionsOfGrandeur! #7DaysOfMagic — IllusionsofGrandeur (@iogtv) April 1, 2015
15
16	Jason Palter at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
17	Glen Ottaway at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) April 17th you can find me performing at the @WhiteOaksMall in London On with my good friend, Captain Corbin, @Captain_Corbin — Peter Mennie (@petermennie) March 27, 2015 Ahoy pirates, April 17th you can find me performing at the @WhiteOaksMall in London On with my good friend, that Magic guy, @petermennie — Captain Corbin (@Captain_Corbin) March 27, 2015
18
19	Keith Brown and Greydon Gilmore at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
20
21	Sketchy Magic with Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall  (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
22
23	Phil Pivnick at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
24	Jason Palter at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) Tix are on sale at http://t.co/MVqeAPyqNz. Please buy early so I have the extra cash I buy more advertising. https://t.co/0lyJhxSGkR — James Jordan (@JJordanmagic) April 2, 2015
25
26	Jason Palter at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic) I will be performing my full one man show in Montreal April 26th. If you are near or in the area come check out... http://t.co/h9fyXsjVUH — chris mayhew (@chrismayhew1) March 21, 2015
27
28	Sketchy Magic with Chris Mayhew and Chris Westfall  (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)
29	Montreal: Henry Evans lecture
30	Paul Pacific at Magic Tonight (50% discount with coupon code cmagic)

"Never the same way twice" free download

From Ryan Pilling's Facebook page:

Free Magic Download! The first chapter of Never The Same Way Twice is now available. Get your PDF of the Energized Cards...
Posted by Playing Big Magic on Thursday, 2 April 2015

Crowdsourcing: Zack Mirza interview questions

There's a high probability that I'm going to get a chance to interview Zack Mirza about his upcoming docu-series, "Illusions of Grandeur."

I'm working on my list of questions and thought I'd open it up to the floor to see if you had any burning questions you'd want me to ask Zack.  (Due to the limited interview time, there's no guarantee I'll be able to ask all of the questions submitted.)

If you have questions you'd like me to ask, e-mail me or leave them in the comment form below.

Toronto: Free magic club

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

Hi There!
A short note that on this Saturday, April 4th our monthly free Magic Club takes place at Browser's Den from 2:30pm until 5:00pm.
All welcome. Snacks provided!

Winnipeg: Family day of magic

From the Magic Club of Winnipeg's Facebook page:

Posted by Magic Club of Winnipeg on Friday, 27 March 2015

Montreal: Henry Evans lecture

From the Montreal Magic Jam:

Henry Evans
When: Wednesday April 29, 7pm Where: Mainline Theatre 3997 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Montreal, Quebec MapOnly $25 before April 21

After a bit of break, we’re back and very excited to present a lecture by one of the top card magicians in the world: Henry Evans!

Direct from Argentina, Henry will demonstrate the importance of imprinting your own personal style on every effect you perform. The first time you see Henry Evans perform, you are reminded of what it is like to be a lay person! His astonishing magic is HIGHLY visual and ultra deceptive, he will fool you… again and again and AGAIN!


Over the course of the lecture, he will explain several important concepts, each one illustrated with an effect, making sure you will understand how to apply them to your own magic. You will see original openers and closers, and new ideas created by Henry, like Watch, Watch, Watch, a very nice and visual idea to open a show using a rope and a watch!

Read more and buy tickets.

Thank you to our April 2015 sponsors!

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.  This site would not be possible without their backing.

We're grateful to have the support of:

• Clive Court - The Fun-da-Mentalist,
• Evelyn & Phil Matlin, owners of Perfect Magic and
• Jeff Pinsky, owner of The Browser's Den of Magic!

The next time you see them, let them know you saw their sponsorship here!

For more information about purchasing Sponsored Posts or about our Platinum, Gold, or Silver level sponsorships, please visit our Sponsorship page.

Or you can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.

Mysterion and Ben Train at "Magic Tonight"

Confirm details by visiting Abracadabaret.com

Mississauga (Thurs):  Mysterion

Pickering (Fri):   Ben Train

Toronto (Sun):  Ben Train


James Alan, over at Abracadaberet, has kindly offered the readers of Canada's Magic a coupon code for 50% off tickets to "Magic Tonight!"  Use the coupon code cmagic when you buy your tickets for Magic Tonight to receive your discount*.



--
* Offer is subject to change without notice.  Canada's Magic earns a commission when you use the coupon code cmagic.

Under new management

It is with mixed emotions that I announce, effective immediately, James Alan is in charge of Canada's Magic.  As many of you know, I started this site over 4 years ago and have since tried to make a go at making it financially viable.  I remain grateful to my sponsors past and present (Doug Cuff, Ryan Pilling, Clive Court, Phil & Evelyn Matlin and Jeff Pinsky) for showing me their support.  However, the sweat equity to income ratio remains unfavourable.

I have great faith that the site will be in good hands.  James did wonders with the Ring 17 social media during his presidency.  I understand that he's got many creative plans lined up for the future.  (Based on the success of the recent "Thirty seconds with..." interviews, I understand he's lining up some interesting podcasts with mimes).  I will be assisting him with transition in the short term.

For current sponsors, you have the option of riding out your current contract or contacting me directly to make alternate arrangements.  For my long time supporters, I thank you and hope that you show James the same support and encouragement that you've shown me over the years.  Before you contact me to find out the unpublishable details, I recommend that you check the date this was posted.

Thank you, as always, for your support and understanding.